U.S. Team Tryouts Day One: Who Stood Out?

It wasn’t an ideal start to the day at Georgetown University, as an hour and a half rain delay prohibited players, coaches and evaluators from taking Multi-Sport Field on the first day of the 2014-2015 U.S. Team Tryouts. As the storm subsided, 81* of the nation’s top players finally took the field and the hours of lacrosse played from there on out did not disappoint.

Here’s a look at some of the players that stood out through the first day of tryouts at Georgetown University. With two days remaining in the grueling National Team tryout and 36-40 spots open for the taking, the competition is as high as ever as the Red, White & Blue looks to put together the most talented crop of players they can in hopes of re-defending its’ 2013 World Championship.

ATTACK:

Katrina Dowd One of the most exciting players to watch on the field, Katrina’s day one performance on the U.S. scene certainly did not disappoint. It’s hard to believe that such a talented player gets better each and every time she steps on the field, but that just seems to be the case with Dowd. Constantly pushing the envelope creatively, Dowd’s ability to see the field, dodge to feed and find the back of the net continue to make her one of the most dominant, lethal attackers in the game.

Cortney FortunatoFortunato tried out for this team as an incoming freshman last summer and she wasn’t quite at the U.S. Team level of play. Flash forward one year and she definitely is now. An All-American rookie campaign in which she led all Irish in points, Fortunato played smart lacrosse today, knowing when the move the ball and knowing when to take it in. An all-around ability offensively where she can score and feed at will, she’d be a great addition to the crop of talented attackers that this team already boasts.

Alyssa Leonard The Northwestern draw specialist turned offensive force wasn’t in the initial pool of players announced for this tryout, but the late addition certainly made her presence known today. More impressively, there wasn’t much of an opportunity at all for her to showcase her ability on the draw. Rather, Leonard stuck out for her pure attacking ability. She’s truly grown into quite an offensive force and could be a valuable addition to this team on the attack. With the loss of Ally Carey on the draw, Leonard's NCAA-leading draw controls probably wouldn't hurt either.

Kayla TreanorArguably just as explosive offensively as Katrina Dowd, Kayla Treanor was a force all over the attacking end today as the Syracuse All-American was constantly finding the back of the net. What’s truly most impressive about Treanor’s offensive prowess at this level is her ability to elevate the level of play of those surrounding her. The Champion Challenge MVP (7g, 2a) as a late addition to this roster this winter, Treanor’s only going to continue to grow in this program.

Megan WhittleWhittle has yet to play a college game, but already she’s on an early 2015 Player of the Year Watch List after her performance this afternoon. A sharp-shooting offensive force, Whittle was hitting seams and finding corners all afternoon and wasn’t scared of the competition she was facing in the least bit. Heading into the weekend, many wondered if Whittle would stick out because of her lack of experience in the college game. While Whittle did stick out, it certainly wasn’t because of her inexperience at the college level — she played like she belonged at that level and beyond this afternoon.

MIDFIELD:

Molly HendrickAmongst arguably the most veteran-dominated unit to take the field this weekend, Hendrick fit right in with the U.S. Team midfield system. A tall, physical force through the mid, Hendrick’s ability to pick up the 50/50 balls, do all of the little things well and play equally as well offensively as she can defensively should likely land her a spot on this roster. Hendrick has a very bright future in Chapel Hill.

Caitlyn McFaddenMuch like Dowd, McFadden just seems to get better each time she takes the field for this U.S. Team. A true, two-way midfielder, it’s hard to argue what part of McFadden’s game is the strongest. A force offensively, who finds seams and takes them hard, McFadden was also one of the best 1v1 defenders on the field this afternoon. A staple in this program for the better part of this past decade, the 2017 World Cup midfield will likely be built around McFadden.

Kat ThomasA last minute addition to the tryout field, Thomas recently relocated from London and took the U.S. field this afternoon playing like she hadn’t left it. She’s always had a knack for getting the job done on ground balls and draw controls, but she was very impressive both offensively and defensively, as well, this afternoon. A tall, physical force for the U.S. program in the past, Thomas could add depth to this team looking to rebuild in the wake of Sarah Albrecht & Co.

Taylor TrimbleA recent addition to the U.S. roster this past Champion Challenge, Trimble certainly learned an immense amount from her weekend competing for the Red, White & Blue. When she took the field today, she played like a player that had been in the system for quite some time. She was vocal and highly effective both offensively and defensively. She could definitely fit the mold for what this team needs to repeat as World Champs in 2017.

Laura ZimmermanOne of the most exciting players to watch on the field today, Laura Zimmerman’s sheer athleticism sticks out almost immediately. A quick, agile, two-way player, Zimmerman’s been a staple in this program for years now and was playing like a veteran today. The U.S. is known for its’ deep, athletic, fast midfield and Zimmerman certainly fits that bill.

DEFENSE:

Becca BlockTaking the field alongside 80 of the nation’s top players, Block might be the fastest of them all on the field this weekend. One of the quickest, most agile defenders wearing USA across their chest this weekend, Block’s a one-of-a-kind defender. Hard to beat 1v1, nearly impossible to beat in transition, her ability to spark plays is just flat out fun to watch.

Mallory FrysingerOne of the many newcomers this weekend looking to wear Red, White & Blue for the first time, the UNC defender immediately stood out this afternoon. A physical, technically sound defensive player, Frysinger was as solid as anyone out there this afternoon and could add depth and youth to a rebuilding U.S. defensive unit.

Alice Mercer Amongst many newcomers on the defensive end of the field this afternoon, Mercer played like she’d been there for years with this U.S. Team. A tall, speedy defender, Mercer was constantly beating out players to loose balls and sparking plays in transition. Also solid in her 1v1 game, Mercer’s the prototypical, ever-reliable type of defender that seemingly just doesn’t get beat.

Kasey MockA tough as nails defender for the Orange this spring, Mock played fearless lacrosse this afternoon and was a spark all over the defensive end of the field. An aggressive player causing turnovers left and right, Mock’s ability to check and recover sets her apart. Should the U.S. opt to add some takeaway defenders, Mock might be at that top of that list.

Morgan StephensAnother athletic force to take the field this afternoon, Stephens' speed fits right in with the way that this team likes to play a high-pressure defense. A strong on-ball defender, Stephens’ speed allows her to take risks and recover without leaving open lanes to goal. She will definitely be another viable option for this coaching staff to add depth and youth to this team.

Five More Names To Know Heading Into Day 2:

Alexis Cross, Megan Douty, Meg Markham, Jenn Russell & Sloane Serpe.

GOALIE:

Liz HoganOf the two goalkeepers that truly stood out as a cut above the rest today, Hogan and veteran Devon Wills played sensationally in net. A strong stopper in a number of shooting drills, Hogan was also agile and athletic outside of the net challenging attackers for 50/50 balls in front. Likely a shoe-in for another go-around with the U.S. Team, Hogan was also very vocal in cage on the afternoon directing the high-pressure defense in front of her.

Devon WillsIt’s not too often that a goalie stands out as arguably the strongest player on the field — spanning any position — in a National Team tryout, but it’s also not too often a player like Devon Wills comes around. Her communication can always be heard throughout, as she positively encouraged teammates and newcomers alike all afternoon, and her ability to stifle some of the toughest shots never ceased to impress. Wills will once again lead a talented crop of goalies on this U.S. Team after the weekend’s tryout is over.

Three More Names To Know Heading Into Day 2:

Kelsey Duryea, Caroline Federico & Caylee Waters.

*The number of players that took the field today was 81, rather than the 84 initially expected at the beginning of the day. Georgetown’s Kelyn Freedman, Loyola’s Maddie Lesher and Duke’s Taylor Virden all opted not to tryout at the last minute, while Duke’s Kat Thomas was a late addition into the tryout pool.